Advanced in vitro models for infection and immunity

Infectious diseases remain a major global health challenge, with immune responses shaped by complex and dynamic interactions between pathogens and human tissues. Traditional experimental approaches, including animal models and conventional two dimensional cell cultures, often fail to capture critical aspects of human physiology and immunological complexity, limiting their translational relevance. Recent improvements in advanced in vitro model systems - such as three dimensional cultures, organoids, microphysiological systems (MPS), and immune competent co culture platforms - have substantially improved our ability to recapitulate human tissue architecture, cellular heterogeneity, and immune functionality. These human relevant models provide powerful tools to dissect host–pathogen interactions, study immune regulation, and evaluate therapeutic strategies under physiologically relevant conditions, thereby bridging the gap between basic research and clinical application.The goal of this Research Topic is to address the critical needs for experimental models that more accurately reflect human physiology in the study of infection and immunity. Despite significant advances in immunological research, the limited translational relevance of traditional animal models and simplified in vitro systems continues to hinder our understanding of human specific host-pathogen interactions and immune regulation. This article collection aims to showcase recent improvements in advanced in vitro models, including organoids, organ on chip (OoC) platforms, and immune competent co culture systems, and to highlight their application in studying infectious diseases and immune responses. By bringing together innovative model systems and mechanistic insights, this Research Topic seeks to promote more predictive, human relevant approaches that can accelerate the development of new antimicrobial therapeutics, including vaccines.This Research Topic aims to bring together cutting edge research on advanced in vitro models for studying infection and immunity in a human relevant context. Contributions addressing, but not limited to the following themes are welcome:• Advanced in vitro models of infection and vaccination, including both conventional sites of infection and tissue-specific niches in which pathogens display specific tropism, as well as platforms to investigate vaccine-induced immune responses.• In vitro systems modelling dysbiosis, encompassing both microbiome alterations and more in general mucosal dysregulation, to study their impact on host immunity, infection susceptibility, and inflammatory responses.• Hybrid experimental approaches that integrate in vitro models - ranging from conventional two dimensional cultures to advanced systems - with in silico modeling, computational simulations, and systems immunology frameworks.• Advanced in vitro platforms to evaluate antimicrobial and vaccine strategies through immune-relevant readouts, host–pathogen interactions, and tissue-specific responses. Topic editors: Marilena Paola Etna, Giulia Matusali Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80676/advanced-in-vitro-models-for-infection-and-immunity